In Luke 17, we read the story of the healing of 10 lepers and only one came back to thank Jesus for healing them from a horrible fate. We don’t know why the others didn’t return. Maybe they were so excited, maybe they were so anxious to get back to their loved ones or thrilled to return to their normal routines. It is so easy to take our blessings and even our answered prayers for granted.
So here are a few words to help us remember to be grateful in 2023…
1, Request - The lepers stood a distance away and humbly requested Jesus’ pity on them. We need to have a humble attitude in our requests. David said in Ps. 5:3, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” God hears our requests, we need to wait on him.
2, Realization of what God is doing - So often, we are deeply focused on our problems. Modern psychology realizes that being grateful helps us to change our focus and look at the blessings we do have in our lives! James 1:17 tells us, “ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” Remember where they came from.
3, Return to Give Thanks - The leper could have gone on dwelling on the terrible things that he had been through but instead, he was rejoicing and giving thanks. Changing our focus to notice the blessings in our lives and the good in others, will help us to be more thankful. But it will also make us feel more hopeful and happy! More blessings!
4. Report the goodness of God - The leper that returned, came back loudly praising God. When we change our focus, may it lead us to spend more time in praising our amazing God!
Thought Question:
What is one way you can remind yourself to change your focus, this week and spend more time in gratitude?